Yes. Everyone needs regular dental checkups. Your dentist is trained to detect potential problems and provide appropriate treatment. Even if you brush and floss daily, your teeth and gums still need regular care from dental professionals. The goal is to prevent disease, decay and tooth loss. The frequency of checkup depends on the individual but as a general rule regular checkups are recommended every 6 months.

The basic elements of a checkup include: review of dental and medical records, past x-rays, overall examination of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and palate, x-rays are taken if necessary, monitoring of blood pressure, professional cleaning including scaling and polish, fluoride treatment, counselling on hygiene and home care, diagnosis of cavities and recommended treatment options.

Gum disease is also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease and is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. It is caused by plaque which constantly forms and hardens on the teeth forming calculus. This plaque and calculus irritates and inflames the gums. This chronic condition if left untreated will destroy the fibers that attach the teeth to the underlying bone, resulting in loosening and eventually loss of teeth. Underlying conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, dry mouth, smoking, aging and irregular dental care can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing plus the removal of hardened calculus on the teeth by the Registered Dental Hygienist can help prevent this from occurring.

X-rays allow the dentist to check areas of the teeth and tissues otherwise invisible during an oral exam. They will show cavities, location and condition of existing fillings, the condition of the tooth root, unerupted teeth and underlying bone. Done properly, x-rays are completely safe. Digital x-rays available in our office reduce the amount of radiation exposure even further than the traditional dental x-ray. Even so, you will be asked to wear a protective lead apron to eliminate unnecessary exposure. You should inform your dentist if you have recently had multiple medical x-rays or are pregnant.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar to produce acid. This acid destroys the enamel layer on the tooth creating a cavity. You may not experience any discomfort at this point. If left untreated however, the bacterial acid will continue to destroy more tooth structure until it reaches the nerves and blood vessels (pulp). At this point you will experience discomfort such as sensitivity to temperature and pressure, swelling and possible abscess. A root canal and possibly a crown will become necessary at this point or loss of the tooth. The monetary cost as well as the loss of tooth structure is much less when a cavity is small than when it is left until you are in discomfort.

If a tooth becomes damaged but is not yet missing, a crown maybe suggested by your dentist to protect the remaining tooth from further damage. Cases where a crown might be indicated include a tooth that has been root canal treated, has a large filling, is broken down, badly stained, misshaped or out of alignment. Crowns can be made of different materials, such as zirconia, gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. They will generally last 10 years, depending on good oral hygiene.

Sealants are made of a polymer resin that are applied to the chewing surface of teeth and bonded using ultra violet light. They provide a protective coating between the acids in the mouth and tooth enamel.

Limited Oral Exam

Also known as crowns, these are protective coverings that cover the whole tooth. Usually recommended to prevent further damage on structurally compromised teeth or repair damage that has already occurred.

Prophy/PolishAction taken to prevent disease. Polishing is for stain removal for easier caries (cavity) detection.

Scaling & Root PlaningTreatment to control periodontal/gum disease. Frequency of scaling appointments varies according to the severity of the condition (mild/moderate/severe gingivitis and/or periodontitis).

AbscessAcute infection, usually presenting as a bubble/bump/pimple on the gum. Can be very painful. Treatment options include relieving the pressure on a closed system by opening and draining either through the tooth or to incise and drain through the buccal (cheek side) mucosa. The source of infection needs to be addressed either with a root canal or extraction

Cellulitis
Inflammation of the connective tissue. The tissue is hard upon palpation. Can be severe enough to cause airway blockage. Antibiotics and incision & drainage, followed by root canal or extractions are recommended.

When the caries have extended into the pulp or the tooth has an infection, the infected nerve and tooth is extirpated (removed) and canal system is cleaned and restored with a restorative material (gutta percha) to seal from any further infection.

Using drugs to calm and relax a patient prior to or during a dental appointment. The agents work by depressing the central nervous system, specifically areas concerned with conscious awareness. The degree of CNS depression varies depending on the extent of sedation wanted.

General Sedation
Under these medications, patient is deeply asleep and unconscious during the procedure. Breathing assistance and monitoring is required.

Local AnestheticA medication that causes reversible absence of pain sensation in a restricted area of the body.

Oral SedationInvolves taking a pill, usually an anti-anxiety pill taken an hour before the procedure. The pill can make you groggy but you are still awake.

WandA computer-controlled anaesthetic delivery system used in place of the conventional syringe system. This system can eliminate the visual stimulus of dental syringes.

Our Happy Clients

What others say about us

The staff are absolutely amazing!!! This was my second visit and my anxiety and nervousness was non-existent very shortly into the appt. Both the dentist and assistant are great and they joke around with you so it makes it for a very enjoyable appt. Thanks guys!

Kathleen O

Love my new dentist. They’re understanding and very gentle and funny. They’re amazing and I can’t wait to see them again. The front end girls are awesome and so friendly. Totally worth the visit.

Daphne Budnick

Everyone at Londonderry Dental 2 is always friendly and accommodating plus willing to take the needed time to explain and work with a difficult patient.
The front desk staff is always pleasant and professional, I would highly recommend this office to anyone.

Jesse Tookey

Amazing staff. I had to wait a little bit so my assistant put Friends on the tv for us to watch, which helped me get my mind off things because I was a little nervous. I had a wisdom tooth pulled that was cracked really bad. Even though I had to wait a little bit I was in and out in an hour. Amazing experience!!!

Kathleen O’Neill

Amazing staff, made me feel not so bad about the fact I hadn’t been to a dentist in 10 years (as I had no coverage for years). They were very thorough, and VERY insistent that I need not feel pain. Their biggest concern was my comfort. Thanks!!

Cherie Rickards

I had my first appointment at this clinic today. The service was AWESOME! From my first call with a kind receptionist last night, to the warm friendly ladies at the front desk, it was a (surprisingly) very pleasant experience. Drs are warm, friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. I was cared for in a timely manner and highly recommend this clinic! Watching Netflix while I waited for the doctor was the icing on the cake!

Judy Salamandick

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